COBIS Connect News Hub - January 2026

Welcome from the CEO

January 2026 Welcome

Dear Colleagues,

I am very pleased to welcome you to our new COBIS half-termly newsletter. Instead of our usual monthly ‘Connect’ newsletter, this new and improved newsletter is shorter, snappier, and will be in your inboxes half-termly. We hope you love it.

There is a great deal to celebrate and look forward to across our community, and this brand new edition captures the energy, commitment and sense of shared purpose that I see everyday across COBIS schools worldwide.

We are delighted to be publishing the findings from the COBIS Annual Research Survey 2025, which offer timely and thought-provoking insights into the experiences and priorities of our member schools. You can read the results below. A very big thank you to all of our COBIS member schools who took part!

This year also marks a special moment for us as COBIS celebrates its 45th anniversary - a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our history and, just as importantly, to look ahead together. Take a look at our historical timeline as well as our future plans below.

You’ll also find details of some exciting upcoming opportunities to connect, learn and share. These include the COBIS Conference for Bursars, Business Managers and HR Staff in London on 28–29 January, our Conference for Marketing, Development and Admissions Staff in Bangkok 12-13 March, and of course, the 44th COBIS Annual Conference, taking place from 9–11 May in London, with delegate booking now open. I hope to see you all there!

This newsletter also shines a light on important work and achievements across the sector. We report on the British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition (BISSC) consultation held at the House of Lords in December, which called for much-needed regulatory reform, and we are proud to celebrate the COBIS schools recognised at the Tes Awards for International Schools 2025. In addition, we share a powerful blog on Teaching Amid Conflict, highlighting the vital role of COBIS Programme for Early Career Teachers in supporting educators in Ukraine.

Thank you, as always, for the warmth, professionalism and collaboration that make COBIS such a special community. I hope you enjoy reading this edition and feel as inspired and encouraged as I do by the work taking place across our network.

With best wishes for a successful and rewarding term ahead,

Colin Bell
CEO, COBIS

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Annual Research Survey 2025 findings

The survey, conducted in partnership with Renaissance, collected information from COBIS member schools worldwide about assessment and curriculum choices, student and teacher numbers, and university destinations, as well as information about diversity, wellbeing, digital innovation, governance, parental engagement, and the impact of geo-political conflict in schools.

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Member Stories

Teaching Amid Conflict: The Role of CPECT in Supporting Educators in Ukraine

Reflecting on ESOL Practice in Year One: Inclusive Teaching

COBIS winners at the Tes Awards for International Schools 2025

Building a Learning Culture: Defining the Aspirational ‘Attributes of a St George's Teacher'

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News and Updates

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This update brings together the latest news from across the COBIS network, alongside upcoming CPD opportunities designed to support staff at every stage of their professional journey. It also highlights current student competitions, celebrating creativity, innovation and achievement, and includes important safeguarding updates and guidance to support safe, inclusive school communities. You'll also find below information on our newest Supporting Associates, recent blogs, COBIS partners and previous newsletters.

News

COBIS@45 - In 2026, COBIS marks 45 years of championing high standards, collaboration, and innovation in British international education. Read here
Webinar: Expanding Your School's Global Reach: A Guide to COBIS and WASC Pathways, 20 January, 12:00pm GMT – register here
UK’s First Hybrid Schooling Conference to Explore the Future of Secondary Education, London, 20 January, hosted by Steed Education, COBIS schools British School Muscat and British School Salalah - register here
Did you know COBIS members can post job vacancies on the COBIS website via the Tes Portal for free? Visit the Global Jobs page
We'd like to welcome Maria Osowiecki to the COBIS team as our new Assistant Director of Accreditation. Maria brings extensive experience as a Vice Principal at Alice Smith School in Malaysia, Research Lead on a UK Government-funded programme with the Education Development Trust, alongside her work as a COBIS Peer Accreditor. Visit the Accreditation page
We have moved! The COBIS head office is now based at Temple Chambers, 3-7 Temple Avenue, London EC4Y 0DA. Please update your records accordingly.

CPD events

Adaptive Teaching: Classroom Strategies for Primary School Teachers – 20 January
Supporting Neurodiversity and Inclusion in Schools – 26 January
Supporting Men and Boys – 28 January
COBIS Conference for Bursars, Business Managers and HR Staff – 28-29 January, London, sponsored by MSP LAB
No School is an Island - Caribbean Regional Conference, Bermuda, 18-19 February
Conference for Marketing, Development and Admissions Staff - 12-13 March, Bangkok, Thailand, sponsored by OpenApply
44^th COBIS Annual Conference – 9-11 May, London, United Kingdom

View our forthcoming CPD events here

Student competitions

Music Composition - online competition : Open to students in Years 6-9. An opportunity for students to demonstrate their musical composition skills. Deadline extended! Register here
TEDx Start Rite Abuja: Open to students aged 12-17 enabling them to showcase bold concepts in fresh and engaging ways. Registration closes 30 January. Apply now
Musical Theatre Festival: Open to students in Years 7-13. An opportunity to work with west-end professional and showcase singing, dancing and acting talents. Now accepting registrations! Book your place
Student Achievement Awards: Open to all COBIS Schools including applicant schools. Teachers are invited to recognise outstanding individual achievements and contributions of students in Key stages 2-5. Now accepting nominations.